It’s always delightful to witness a new take on a classic trope, in this case the ensemble dramedy, told with a sharp and distinctive new voice on the filmmaking scene. When three sisters reunite in their childhood home to confront a hoarding mother in writer/director Ebony Blanding’s A Mess of Memories (B+), there’s an ample mix of hilarity and healing. The central trio of actresses are remarkable in their roles: Brittany Inge as the grounded and funny sibling, Cynthia D. Baker as the bitter and more than mildly germ-phobic sister and GeffriMaya as the new age social media influencer of the bunch, most intent on getting to the bottom of their collective familial issues. The chemistry between these idiosyncratic Black women on screen is solid, as estrangement transitions to new energies. Jason Louder is superb as their brotherly counterbalance, especially tender in a moment when he reveals concerns about history repeating. And in a small but potent role, Sherry Richards is magnetic as their maddening maternal grand dame of contradictions. There are a few flourishes of refreshing narrative creativity which frankly could have extended and another sequence or two mildly overstaying their welcome; but all in all, it’s absorbing material. Blanding has sensational control over the storytelling beats and plumbs natural emotion rather than melodrama from a collection of character archetypes rarely seen on screen. The family residence is nearly a character itself with relics sure to evoke knowing reflections from viewers; kudos on the very authentic art direction. This auspicious debut would make a great double bill with either Waiting to Exhale or Sentimental Value.